Monday, August 9, 2010

Pike's Peak

Pike's Peak is one of the tallest mountains in Colorado, but what makes it unique is that you can drive up it - right to the top!!  You go through 5 different environmental zones, from Montane to tundra.  The park starts at 7,750 feet in elevation and the peak is at 14,110 feet.  The road isn't quite as exciting as the Mogi Dugway, which David was quite happy about - plus we didn't have the trailer attached!!
On a clear day, you can see 4 different states from the top of the mountain.

We saw this lovely little fellow on the way up.  It is a Hoary Marmot, and they are usually found 
up at the timberline.  He was just sitting at the side of the road, watching the cars go by!!  There were quite a few spots where the switchbacks are very steep, and there are no railings of course!!

The view from the top is amazing!!  This is where the woman who wrote the song, "America the Beautiful" got her inspiration.

One of the things that this moutain is most famous for is the mountain road race.  Vehicles have been racing up and down this road since the 1930's.  Sean was pretty excited about being here - just disappointed that we weren't here at the same time they were racing!

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